When inspecting tires for safe operation on a SEPTA bus, which items should be checked?

• A. Check tread depth, uniform wear, sidewall condition, absence of cuts or bulges, and verify proper inflation per placard.
• B. Only check inflation
• C. Only check tread depth
• D. Only check wheel alignment

Answer: (B)

Tire safety relies on a thorough check of multiple factors, not just one. The best approach is to inspect tread depth and uniform wear to ensure there’s enough gripping material and to spot irregular wear that could indicate alignment or suspension issues. Checking sidewall condition and looking for cuts, cracks, or bulges is essential because damage there can lead to sudden failure under load. Verifying that inflation matches the placard is crucial for safe load handling, proper heat management, and even wear. If you only check inflation, you could miss a tire with excessive wear or hidden damage that could fail while the bus is in service. By inspecting all these aspects together, you reduce the risk of blowouts, loss of traction, or unpredictable handling.